All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15 NKJV)
I concluded a conversation with a kindly gentleman today by telling him, “Merry Christmas.”
He looked a bit taken aback, so I asked him if I had offended him with these words of cheer. He said he hadn’t been offended at all and he frequently speaks those words himself, but he expected that someday he might end up with a punch in the nose if he keeps it up.
I told him I didn’t think that would happen to him.
Then, while browsing the news tonight, I found that just this year, the State of Texas has passed “The Merry Christmas Law.”
Yes, ladies and gentleman, Texas lawmakers sent notices to schools on Dec. 9 reminding them of the new legislation, which allows students and teachers to dress in festive garb and say “Merry Christmas” all they want without fear of punishment. It also allows teachers and students to sing Christmas songs, and to erect Christmas trees, holiday decorations, and nativity scenes.
Of course, the law comes with a warning against doing so in a manner that would include a “message that encourages adherence to a particular religion’s belief.”
Those involved say while the law does not address Islam or Buddhism, adherents of those beliefs are free to seek protection under the law if they feel their religious holidays are under attack of censorship, as Christmas certainly has been.
Of course, there are those who have cheered the Texas law and those who have mocked it as unnecessary or worse.
I have no intention of starting a political debate with this blog.
No, I bring it before you, brothers and sisters in Christ, to ask if that Christmas Spirit has come to dwell in your hearts yet in this joyous season. Amid all the shopping and decorating and baking and preparing, has the thought of that one small child in a manger filled your soul? Have you pondered a group of poor shepherds out in the fields at night with the entire sky above them filled with the herald angels, the very armies of God, singing His praises? Has your soul been touched by the grand plan of God for the redemption of our very souls coming to fruition in the humility of a stable? Has the breath of heaven touched you as the virgin sings her lullaby?
And what would happen if all who heard us say “Merry Christmas” this year would hear the Holy Spirit speaking those words with all the love, the mercy, the compassion, and the joy of Jesus Christ?
Today’s Praise
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2: 14 NKJV)
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2: 14 NKJV)